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The following chart presents a comparison between the parameters of the Viltrox AF 55 mm f/1.8 EVO and other standard models as fast as f/1.8 designed for full frame mirrorless cameras. We tried to avoid using old double gauss constructions in this comparison so all these lenses feature a tad more optically complex systems.

The new Viltrox is a tad heavier but also smaller than its predecessor. It is also a device the most optically complex in this group. When it comes to its weight and dimensions, it lands in the middle, not standing out particularly from the rest.

In the photo above, the Viltrox AF 55 mm f/1.8 EVO is positioned between two other standard lenses with the Sony FE mount. On the left there is the slower Voigtlander Apo-Lanthar 2/50, on the right the faster Sony FE 50 mm f/1.4 GM.

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The tested lens starts with a metal mount and a USB-C port that allows you a quick software upgrade. The mount surrounds contacts and a dark, ribbed, plastic sleeve. Inside the sleeve is situated a rear element, 29 mm in diameter. From this side everything looks properly well.

A black ring made of metal that increases its diameter is the first part of the proper barrel of the Viltrox 1.8/55 EVO. On this ring you can find a red dot, making an alignment with a camera easier, a serial number, and information about the place of production, China this time.

Then you find an aperture ring, ribbed and made of metal, that is 14 mm wide. On the ring there are aperture markings from f/1.8 to f/16 (every 1/3 EV step) and an automatic A value. The ring can be clicked or declicked. It performs properly well and generally is beyond reproach.

Further on, you find an inscription, 'AF 55/1.8 FE' surrounded by an EVO badge on the one side and the logo of the producer on the other. On one side there is also an AF/MF switch and, below, a round function button. On the other side you see a CLICK ON/OFF switch that allows you to control the aperture ring modes (from clicked to declicked).

Then you see a manual focus ring, as wide as 24 mm, almost completely covered by fine ribbing. You won't find any distance or depth of field markings on it. The focus throw amounts to an angle of over 300 deg even if you move the ring fast, a significant value, allowing you very precise settings.

Then you see a metal ring that decreases its diameter and ends with a hood mount.

The front element of the lens doesn't move, is slightly convex, 29 mm in diameter. It is surrounded by a part of the casing with inscriptions and a non-rotating filter thread, 58 mm in diameter. Among inscriptions that run around the front element, you also find one informing you about the filter diameter, minimum focusing distance, (0.34m/1.12ft), and the next one stating the basic parameters of the lens and abbreviations concerning different technologies used in the construction. In this case it's STM, meaning a stepping motor, used in the lens's autofocus, ED concerning special glass elements inside; IF, meaning focus is set internally; and APO, suggesting perfect correction of chromatic aberration. Additionally, there is a 'Full Frame' inscription, informing you that the lens was designed to cooperate with full frame cameras.

When it comes to optical construction, you deal here with 13 elements positioned in 9 groups. Inside you can find two elements made of low dispersion ED glass, two others made of glass with a high refraction index (HR), and one aspherical element. As you see, the producers weren't skimpy when it comes to special elements, a fact worth mentioning when it comes to a lens model with a very affordable price, reaching almost 1800 PLN. Along with all these elements, there is also a round aperture with 9 diaphragm blades that can be closed to a value of f/16 at the maximum.

Buyers get in the box along with the lens: both caps, a hood and a soft pouch with rather mediocre protective properties.